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3. J 



"lyove took up the harp of Ivife, 

And smote on all its cords with might, 

Smote the cord of self that trembling 
Passed in music, out of sight.' 



— Tennyson. 



Copyrighted, 1S94. 



/i'^^y :^^ 



Hartford, Conn.: 
prkss of the plimpton manufacturing company, 

1894. 



I^ffitxltig. 



Stronger than any earthly tie, 

Savoring of divinity; 
Source of the purest, holiest joy — 

Affinity, affinity! 

Nearest and dearest love the best, 
Surpassing consanguinity; 

Sweetest and strongest earthly rest. 
Affinity, affinity! 



Oasis in this desert life. 

Emanating from Trinity; 
Whence cometh never pain nor strife, 

Affinity, affinity! 

The touch of life, the touch of love, 
So strong in its sovereignty. 

Like angel whispers from above, 
Affinity, affinity! 

Oh, heavenly love, so fair and pure, 

In all its chaste virginity; 
While time shall last, may it endure, 

Affinity, affinity! 



-^#^ 



glxje McfXXQ 0f £0ue. 



In the gray of a stormy noonday, 

When fog shut my frail craft in, 
And the sun from my heaven had vanished 

As if it never had been ; 
I sat in an idle waiting, 

Not knowing which way to steer. 
When a voice came over the waters. 

Ringing sonorous, clear; 
'Twas a voice I never had heard before, 
And I knew it called from an unknown shore. 

" Fear not, and hail!" came the greeting, 

Out through the silver mist; 
And the ocean rippled in jewels, 

As if it had just been kissed; 
And my bark sped over the waters, 

Drawn on by the sweet, clear voice, 
While my heart beat high for gladness. 

And my spirit arose and rejoiced 
At the voice I never had heard before. 
Still calling clear from the unknown shore. 

Straight out o'er the foam-flecked billows 

To me came a white winged dove; 
For the land was the land of Beulah, 

And the voice was the voice of love; 
And I clasped it in and caressed it. 

While my soul grew brave and strong, 
As I heard from the land of Beulah, 
The universe-old sweet song. 
And the voice I never had heard before 
Sang the song of love on the golden shore. 



a gotrje. 



" I love," 'tis easy thus to say. 
I love the sun, I love the day, 
I love the moon's sweet, silver ray; 
I love, I love, I love. 

The garden walks, I love them well. 
The mountain heights or shady dell. 
The quiet lake or ocean's swell; 
I love, I love, I love. 

All these I love, and many things 
From laughing babe to bird that sings, — 
The heart's a harp of many strings; 
I love, I love, I love. 

What else I love ? Ah, secret heart, 
What means this fear, this sudden start ? 
What means this pain, this cruel smart ? 
I iove, I love, I love. 

I love in secret, bitter pain, — 
Love without hope, love all in vain, 
A spotless love, without a stain. 
I love, I love, I love. 

The secret's mine, and none may guess 
The bitter sweet half happiness 
That thrills my soul with love's distress; 
I love, I love, I love. 

Ah! helpless, hopeless love's desire, 
A hidden, yet a quenchless fire, — 
Sad heart, 'twill be thy funeral pyre; 
I love, I love, I love. 



glxe ^ace tlxat JtuHcs on p^e. 



Beaming down from heavenly space, 
Rising up from deepest sea, 

Ever smiles one lovely face, 
Ever calls one voice to me. 

Pink and purple, white and blue, 
Flowers afresh on mead and lea. 

Earth has blossomed forth anew 
Since this face has smiled on me. 

Sun and moon shine brighter far. 
Music has new minstrelsy; 

Radiance new from every star, 
Since this dear face smiled on me. 

Oh, the joy, and oh, the pain. 

Madness strange but light and free, 

Life was surely lived in vain 
Had this face not smiled on me. 

All that's rarest, of most worth. 

All that is or is to be. 
Gathered joys from heaven and earth 

Brings this face that smiles on me. 

I have shrined thee in my heart, 
Bowing low, I worship thee; 

We must never, never part. 

Dearest face that smiles on me. 



S ^xzmn, % gx:,eatu. 



Sometimes I see a bonny face, 

With tender eyes, like cooing dove, 

A slender form of matchless grace, 
The face and form of her I love. 

Ah me, alas! it doth but seem 
My love is gone, I dream, I dream. 

Sometimes a gentle voice I hear, 
Singing in accents soft and low, 

So like the voice all sweet and clear 
That thrilled my heart, long, long ago. 

Ah me, alas! it doth but seem 
My love is gone, I dream, I dream. 

Sometimes I feel a breath divine 

Breathe lightly on my cheek and hair, 

As tender lips are pressed to mine, 
I call, I speak to empty air. 

Ah me, alas! it doth but seem 

My love is gone, I dream, I dream. 

Sometimes when sleep hath sealed my eyes. 
Hand clasped in hand we wander free, 

Through fragrant groves of Paradise, 
But waking bids the vision flee. 

Ah me, alas! it doth but seem 

My love is gone, I dream, I dream. 

Sometimes I see beyond the blue. 
Beyond the starry, vaulted dome, 

My darling one, so pure and true. 
Who smili-ng waits to lead me home. 

Ah me, alas! it doth but seem 
My love is gone, I dream, I dream. 



Only a hand-clasp at parting, 

Only a whispered adieu; 
Only a swift interchanging 

Of glances from black eyes to blue. 

Only a train swiftly moving 

Down o'er the long, level track; 

Only blue eyes, fond and loving, 

Toward black eyes, gaze sadly back. 

Only a look for a token. 

Only a pitiful sigh; 
Only two loving hearts broken — 

Only a hopeless good-by. 



^Kpz gjessatixitxje gX0ssxrms. 



A kind surprise, your greeting fair by mail, 
Your lovely gift, so rare, so fragrant and so frail. 
Came fresh, with dewy sweetness and perfume. 
Filling my heart with joy, as fragrance filled my room. 

Dear loyal friend, in that bright land of flowers, 
Dwelling 'neath summer skies midst gorgeous tropic bowers, 
Thy heart and life like Christ's own lilies shine. 
Symbolized by thy gift, the pure white jessamine. 



j0mctlmjes, Mortxfixv\xzxz. 



Sometime over the stormy way 

We shall meet; 
Somewhere beyond in the perfect day, 

We shall greet. 
While here our paths in life must part, 
Here we walk separate, loyal heart, 
May God pour balm on the cruel smart, 

And guide the weary feet. 

Sometime, when time shall be no more, 

We shall stand 
Somewhere away on the evergreen shore, 

Hand in hand. 
Thus we take up the burden of life again, 
Hiding our heart and its bitter pain; 
Our sowing in tears shall not be in vain. 

We'll reap in the better land. 

Sometime, God give us grace to wait 

Till He come; 
He will lead us up to the pearly gate 

Of our home. 
And there, oh love, so brave and true. 
In that wonderland beyond the blue. 
We shall no more sadly say adieu, 

No more from each other roam. 



Sfe WLztliXinQ gliiX0» 



'Tis a little shining band, 

Smooth and plain; 
That is never off my hand, 
And no lady in the land 
With the world at her command 

Is more vain 
Of her jewels, rich and rare, 

Sparkling bright; 
Of her pearls so pure and fair, 
Glowing in the gas light glare. 
Or the diamond she doth wear. 

Day and night, 

Than / of my o/ie treasure. 

This dear ring. 
It has brought me worlds of pleasure, 
Love unstinted, without measure; 
And of it in hours of leisure. 

Thus I sing: 
Precious, gleaming, golden circlet. 

Pledge of love; 
Holy vows once o'er thee spoken ^ 
Have not one of them been broken, 
Surely, thou'rt blessed, dear token, 

From above, 

And may the dear pledges given 

Ne'er depart; 
But recorded up in heaven 
Multiplied by seven times seven 
May they, like the hidden leaven, 



lO 



Fill our heart; 
And may we united ever, 

Truly one; 
Walking side by side, ne'er sever 
Till we reach the fair forever, 
Parting from each other never 

'Neath the sun. 



^av0av^ct ^jeat:X gl. 



A graceful, slight and willowy form. 
Bearing its own peculiar charm; 
Crowned by a shapely woman's head, 
With hair that's neither brown nor red; 
Eyes brown and clear, like wild gazelle, 
Has this most charming damosel; 
Lips like twin cherries, cheeks like rose, 
A dimpled chin and Grecian nose, 
Indeed, it is quite vain for me 
With pen to portray Margaret B., 
But I am sure this gentle girl 
Is like her name, a spotless pearl. 



\ 



gig anxl gjj. 



Some time we shall meet our own, 

By and by; 
Nevermore to walk alone, 

By and by. 

Blest experience to know 
That we are beloved so. 
Till our fond hearts overflow — 
By and by. 

Some time, ah, draw near sweet time. 

By and by; 
Fill our souls with this glad chime. 

By and by. 

May we feel the perfect bliss. 
Of one sweet ecstatic kiss, 
Nevermore this joy to miss — 
By and by. 

Some time, soul in patience wait. 

By and by; 
Sure this side of heaven's gate. 

By and by. 

This sweet boon will come to thee, 
Keep thy heart all pure and free 
For this angel company, 
By and by. 



12 



glxje MoxxX of a Mouq, 



I wandered over the earth, 

I wandered the whole day long, 

At last I paused by an artist's hearth 
And sighed, " I'm the soul of a song." 

The artist from his canvas looked 
And said, " I must doubt your claim. 

You do not come in a famous book, 
Besides, you have no name." 

Again I roamed as zephyrs play 
Through the land and o'er the sea, 

I cried, "I'm a soul" the long, long day, 
"The soul of a song not free." 

At last I reached a master's side, 
He looked with a glad surprise. 

His harp he touched with a master's pride 
And commanded, "Oh, soul, arise!" 

" And wedded to the heavenly muse 
Go thou forth the world to bless; 

Tell every soul the joyous news. 
There's a balm for all distress. 

" Thus saint and sinner, too, shall bow 

Before thy power sublime; 
Go, dual soul, I send thee now 

To the earth's remotest clime." 

And now men-pause and catch the strain, 
And sad hearts grow glad and strong. 

For music hath not lived in vain 
Since wed to the soul of a song. 

^3 



^iX0tlxje^: ©texstmas gajg. 



There's a pain at my heart and a yearning 

For an old-time Christmas day; 
For a fire that once was burning 

For the friends that are far away; 
For the faces of some that are lying 

Under the Christmas snow. 
Oh, the heart ache and the sighing 

For the days of long ago. 

And I dream of a home 'neath the shadows 

Of the Adirondack hills, 
With their limpid lakes of crystal, 

And their cold and sparkling rills; 
With their rugged rocks and ledges, 

And their rivers, broad and free, 
Leaving their mountain sources 

To wed with the distant sea. 

Oh, mountains, with your mantle 

Of forests, deep and green. 
With your sunsets of purple glory 

And your shows of silvery sheen; 
Oh, strong and silent mountains. 

Lone monarchs, dark and brave, 
Once you held for me a home-nest. 

Now you only hold a grave. 

And when Christmas bells are ringing. 

And each one clasps his own; 
And I hear the children singing 

Their praises to God's throne; 
And the sun shines out in gladness, 

And the homes are bright and gay; 
My heart quite breaks with sadness 

For the by-gone Christmas day. 



M 



gXat^txxjc gauje. 



Could I have him for a brother 

I'd be more than satisfied, 
I would love him as no other, 

In this worship would abide. 
Naught on earth this love could sever; 

There could be no dearer claim, 
I would say, '' He's mine forever," 

And would always wear his name. 

Life would be a dream of beauty 

In this love without desire, 
Knowing naught of wifely duty, 

Nor of passion's fervid fire. 
Seeking wisdom's hidden treasures 

Bound by consanguinity. 
Life would be replete with pleasure 

In this pure affinity. 



15 



gXuje grjes arxxl JaprpTxtves, 



We never roamed through forest glade, 

Nor gathered shells upon the strand, 
Nor talked of what the wild waves said, 

Nor strolled by moonlight, hand in hand. 
But ah, I know he loves me well 

With heart most loyal, fond and true; 
What need has he with words to tell — 

I saw it in his eyes of blue. 

Henceforth the sapphire I will wear, 

The gem that shines with heaven's own hue, 
I'll bind it in my golden hair 

Because it's like his eyes of blue. 
The sapphire shall adorn my breast 

And on my hand be still in view, 
For ah, I know he loves me best 

Since looking in his eyes of blue. 

Sparkle, ye gems of rarest ray, 

Like sunlight caught in morning dew, 
I'll put you far from me away 

And love and wear the sapphire blue. 
Above my heart 'twill ever shine 

To tell the old, old story new. 
It is so like his eyes divine — 

His winsome eyes of sapphire blue. 



i6 



site "gi^mcUx'B gcst mxX. 



My little maid is scarce sixteen, 
But in my heart she reigns a queen; 
For beauty of a type most rare, 
Crowns her the fairest of the fair. 

Spun yellow gold of finest thread, 
Gleams on my girlie's shapely head; 
Her eyes, twin sapphires sparkling bright. 
Her teeth are pearls of purest white. 

Her dimpled cheeks red rubies glow. 
Beneath a brow as pure as snow; 
Her garnet lips sweet smiles adorn. 
She's fresh and fair as rosy morn. 

Sometimes I call her, " Ruby dear," 
x\nd then, ''my Garnet, do come here;" 
Then "Sapphire love," or "Daughter Pearl, 
Or "Goldie," for she is my "Best Girl." 




17 



glxje "gKcioxvi ^ixVs gleams. 

I stand by my loom 

In the great weave room, 
Midst the jar, and whirr and sound. 

Of the shuttles that fly, 

As the flash of an eye, 
While the wheels go 'round, go 'round. 

Through the windows tall, 

On the whitened wall. 
Falls the sun's bright golden ray; 

I've watched the light. 

From morn till night, 
For many a weary day. 

And the sun's sweet beam, 

Brings many a dream. 
As it pierces the factory gloom; 

For I work with a will 

In the grey old mill, 
As seasons for others make room. 

And my fond thoughts stray 

Far away and away. 
To a gallant ship at sea; 

Where my lover true. 

Sails over the blue, 
Dreaming love dreams of me. 

And the sunlight fair. 

On the golden air, 
And the moonbeam's mellow glory, 

And the softest breeze 

That floats o'er the seas, 
Tell both the same SAveet story, 

V 18 



Oh, my true love dear, 

Will soon be here, 
All his pledges to fulfil; 

And I shall not grieve, 

Forever to leave 
My loom in the grey old mill. 

And softly at night, 

In the pale moonlight. 
As the chime from the tower swells; 

My heart in rhyme 

Keeps merry time, 
For I dream of weddino; bells. 



gixe ^jcvij lest ^ricnxXs. 



Yes, we understand each other, 

We're the very best of friends; 
He is to me like a brother, 

I, a sister he defends. 
He just touched my hand at parting. 

As I said my brief adieu; 
Foolish tears to eyes were starting — 

Eyes of gray and eyes of blue. 

Hush, thou foolish heart, thy beating! 

Hush, thou fond and foolish brain, 
Whispering of another meeting! 

God forbid we meet again. 
"God forbid!" 'Twere safer, better. 

We forever dwell apart. 
Both are bound by duty's fetter: 

Ah, what chain can bind a heart ? 

19 



glxje %zvxzvxhxKncc ^Ing. 



How I love this quaint old ring, 

'Tis indeed a precious thing; 
It has kept my life both young and warm for years. 

With its sparkle and its gleam 

It is like love's early dream, 
And it carries in its heart both smiles and tears. 

For the diamond's star-like rays. 

Conjures up the sunny days, 
Joyous days of youth and pleasure, bright and free; 

When upon my hand so fair 

My love placed this jewel rare, 
Saying, "Darling, by this ring, remember me." 

It is years and years ago 
Since beneath the fallino- snow. 

On the lonely hill we laid him in his tomb; 
But the iridescence bright 
Of this diamond, pure and white, 

Keeps his memory, like a fragrant rose in bloom. 

And the band of shining gold, 

Like my hand, grows thin and old; 
But the diamond burns with unabated flame; 

So my love for him will shine 

With a glory quite divine, 
Till in heaven I say, '' I love you still the same." 



gaxticcX gX05scrms. 



Pink and white like a baby's face, 
A cluster of flowers set in a vase, 

Why should it thrill my heart? 
Why should it make my pulses beat? 
Why should it stop my hurrying feet 

And bid the hot tears start? 

Ah, but this cluster of fragrant bloom 
Set in the window of somebody's room. 

Conjured a picture rare, 
Of a woman's face, all pink and white. 
With starry eyes, like diamonds bright, 

And flossy, golden hair. 

Of sunny days in the grand old hills, 

With their crystal springs and laughing rills, 

From the busy haunts afar; 
Of golden hours that were far too sweet, 
As I sat entranced at the siren's feet. 

And worshipped her as a star. 

Why dream again of the long ago 
That filled my soul with bitterest woe 

And shrouded with gloom my life? 
'Tis the sad old story over again, 
Of love and faith most cruelly slain. 

By a beautiful, faithless wife. 



%oo}iinQ ^KcUvodiXii, 



I built a home-nest, pure and fair, 

Within a valley broad and sweet, 
Walled in by mountains, grand and rare, 

A river tumbling at their feet; 
And joy was mine, and Eden bliss, 

With youth, and hope, and love profound; 
The wildest storm but tossed a kiss. 

While golden days went round and round. 

But soon ambition seized my soul, 

And said, "Arise, the world is wide; 
There's wealth and fame; but reach the goal, 

All, all is thine, I'll be thy guide." 
Adieu, sweet nest, the die is cast. 

Henceforth, afar from thee I'll roam; 
Adieu, sweet peace, we part at last. 

Adieu forever, sunny home. 

Thus, ever by the siren's voice 

Led on through restless, weary years, 
I might not pause, there was no choice, 

Save toil and strife and haunting fears. 
Oh, could I once again return 

To that sweet life of Arcady; 
Toward it my aching heart will yearn. 

And still, I know this ne'er can be. 

Oh, could I but the past retrieve. 
Turn back the flowing tide of time, 

I'd live to love, hope and beHeve, 
And thus make life a thing sublime. 



Too late ! the spotless flower of truth 
That linked my soul with heaven above, 

With peace and faith and joyous youth, 
Are buried in the grrave of love. 



a" 



I've paid the price, and now at last. 

The wealth and fame are mine to hold; 
An empty name, a mocking past. 

Gray hairs, and age, and yellow gold; 
Life, a delusive fever dream, 

Fast ebbing now in starless gloom; 
All dark beyond, with not a gleam 

Of light or love to pierce the tomb. 



Life is a primary school; 

He who learns his lesson best 

Is fitted best to enter 

And enjoy that higher school 

To which death is the portal. 



23 



%lXxisions. 



" I wind, I bind, my true love to find," 

So sang the maiden by the well; 
"I wind, I bind, my true love to find," 

And thus she wrought the magic spell. 
" The color of his hair, and the clothes he doth wear 

And the day that we shall wedded be. 
I wind, I bind, my true love to find, 

Alas, he does not answer me." 

We list awhile and wisely smile 

At fabled power of magic spell; 
But though we're wise in our own eyes, 

We are like the maiden at the well; 
We're loath to wait to know our fate, 

We seek to pierce the future's gloom. 
And with faint hope, in darkness grope, 

Alas, the answer does not come. 

In tenderest love, the gods above. 

The future hid from mortal ken; 
To-morrow's sun hath ne'er told one 

What it will bring the sons of men. 
But as we wait beside the gate 

That always opes with morning's dawn, 
We'll hope for joy without alloy. 

When night and shadow shall be gone. 



24 



OR, A father's love. 



List while I tell you a brief, true story. 

Of a maiden fair as the choicest flowers, 
As pure as a pearl, a New England girl 

With beauty and health and wealth for her dower. 
Do you see that mansion far down in the valley 

Where the mountain raises its lofty dome. 
Where the ripples quiver in the winding river? 

'Twas there she was reared, in that stately home. 

The light of that home was its lovely daughter 
With a heart as pure as the heavens above — 

It was there she pledged the man who sought her 
The priceless gift of a woman's love. 

They were wed, and she left her dear old home nest- 
Left for a land to her strange and wild — 

Went with the one she vowed to love best; 

But the love of the father went with his child. 

But one short year had swiftly flown past 

Since the man at her side called her his wife. 
But that brief, sad year was numbered her last; 

She knew she must give up her fair, young life. 
The strange, bright flowers bloomed at her door 

And strange birds sung their glad, wild lays, 
But naught could charm her evermore. 

Save the dear old home of her girlhood days. 

" Oh, home, sweet home, 'mid the eastern hills, 
How I long for you," she would wearily sigh, 

" I long for a sight of your sparkling rills 
And your grand, free river, rolling by;" 



25 



The roses paled on her fair young cheek, 
The light in her sweet young eyes grew dim; 

The buoyant soul grew strangely weak, 

Death's angel drew near — she was waiting for him. 

''Oh, take me back to my childhood's home! 

Let me see New England hills once more! 
Let my dimming eyes see New England skies, 

Ere I'm called away to the other shore." 
" It can not be, you can never go!" 

Was the only answer the husband gave; 
" You chose your home in New Mexico, 

In New Mexico you will find your grave." 

But the swiftly flying midnight train 

Brought the aged father to the side 
Of the dying girl, the New England pearl, 

Whom last he had seen as a gay young bride. 
A glad light sprang to her weary eyes — 

"I've watched for you! I knew you would come;' 
And then she said, as she raised her head: 

" Father, dear father, O, take me home." 

Flash went a message over the wires, 

For an engine true and a palace car, 
"With my dying girl, my New England pearl, 

I would haste to the eastern hills afar." 
" Yes, darling, /'// take you home again," 

A father's love will brook no delay; 
An engine true and a trusty crew 

Were speeding east at the dawn of day. 

The revolving wheels flew swiftly around, 

The sharp, shrill whistle the echoes woke; 
The monster engine seemed to bound, 

26 



Spurning the rails and shaking the ground, 
Filling the startled air with sound, 

As she belched forth volumes of flame and smoke. 

Away through the valleys, broad and deep. 

Away over plains and prairies vast. 
Onward, still onward, her course to keep 
Beside the mountains, grand and steep; 
Through towns or cities, awake or asleep. 

She flies with speed all unsurpassed. 

Swift as a bird on her homeward flight. 
The faithful engine flew over the line 

Like a thing of life, and power, and might. 

Through evening's gloom or morning's light; 

Through day's broad glare or blackest night 
You could see the faithful headlight shine. 

The long, swift journey ends at last. 

The brave old engine is standing still; 
A pale face at the pane drinks in again 

The glories of valley, river and hill; 
Mist hangs on the distant mountain's brow, 

A springlike sun shines in winter's sky; 
A celestial ray from the gates of day 

Bathes the dear old home where she came to die. 

The pale, sweet face, with its heavenly grace. 

Aglow with jojr*, like the angels' shine 
From the dear home nest she will go to rest 

To awake in a home that is all divine. 
Another journey-she soon will take, 

Away to the beautiful world above; 
From her heavenly home never more to roam, 

Shielded for aye by a Father's love. 

27 



£0tyje at ^If tig. 



Say not that love to youth but speaks 

In life's fair, early day; 
That love smiles not on fading cheeks, 

And golden locks turned gray. 

For oh! I know a secret sweet, 

That brings both smiles and tears — 

The boy-god kisses fading cheeks, 
And smiles on fifty years. 

He paints anew the face once fair, 
Unwonted smiles he brings; 

Smooths wrinkles from the brow of care 
And puts on wedding rings. 

If love but waits on rosy cheeks, 

And sunny locks of gold; 
And but to youth and beauty speaks, 

May God defend the old. 

For life were but a mocking dream, 

Without this precious boy; 
And heaven itself not what it seems. 

But robbed of all its joy. 

Oh, love, thou choicest gift of God, 

Thy banner keep unfurled; 
For old and young, thou chiefest good, 

Sweet band that binds the world. 

Our hearts beat but with thrills of love, 
And dreams of rose and gold 

Keep us in touch with heaven above, 
Thus we can ne'er grow old. 
28 



gittXc gixxie ^^iSCoicje %t 



'Tis so frail and thin and old, 

And not of the finest gold; 

You will wonder when you're told 

It is very dear to me; 

Though an old and homely ring, 

It's a very precious thing, 

To my eyes the quick tears spring. 

When this poor, old ring I see. 
But my little Lizzie wore it, 
That's the reason I adore it. 

I remember the dear child. 
And how lovingly she smiled, 
How with joy she went most wild 
When to her this ring was given. 
Little did I think that I 
Who once sang her lullaby 
Would this old ring kiss, and cry 
While she walked the streets of heaven. 
Yes, my little Lizzie wore it. 
That's the reason I adore it. 




29 



She WixWs Moxxj, 



It's fifty years since we wed, 

Daniel and I; 
And for supper we had sweetbread 

And pumpkin pie. 

Besides, we had other good things, 
Doughnuts, sauce and cream. 

And Daniel gave me this gold ring — 
Seems like a dream. 

Then our bridal journey we took, 

Over the snow; 
And oh, how I trembled and shook. 

With cold, you know. 

We drove toward the setting sun. 

Ten miles or more, 
Then back where our journey begun, 

To father's door. 

They welcomed us back with good grace, 

Daniel and I; 
But one glance at Darwin's sad face. 

It made me cry. 

I had married the one, you see, 

Father liked best; 
But Darwin wanted to marry me 

And take me West. 



30 



But I never told any one 

Why thus I cried — 
Never realized what I had done, - 

Till Darwin died ! 

Very soon he went far away 

To find his grave. 
Oh, I wish he had been more gay, 

Or else, more brave. 

And, although it is fifty years, 

I can not forget, 
And my eyes oft dim with tears 

Of vain regret. 



Yes, Daniel's grown rich, meanwhile. 

In gold and lands, 
And I've had fifty years of toil 

And empty hands. 

There is compensation, they say. 

For every loss; 
Some sweet boon, some heavenly ray 

To gild each cross. 

And I trust as I near the land 

Where souls are free. 
Once more to clasp my darling's hand 

Kept pure for me. 



31 



oxQotUn. 



Forgotten, no, that ne'er can be, 
So long as suns do rise and set; 

So long as life remains to me, 

Dear love, sweet love, I'll ne'er forget. 

The setting sun, the silvery moon, 
The early morning's rosy glow, 

The gentle hush of drowsy noon, 
All bring back scenes of long ago. 

Thus summer, winter, autumn, spring. 
Each in its turn recalls thy name, 

And all their wealth and beauty bring 
The same, yet never quite the same, 

As when we strayed in woody ways, 
Or gathered shells upon the strand; 

Those golden days, those glad bright days. 
With smiling skies and breezes bland. 

How changed, no more in converse sweet. 
With hand in hand w^e joyous roam; 

Alone I tread with weary feet. 

The path I trust that leads me home. 

And thou art gone, dear love, sweet love, 
I know not where, I only know 

I think of thee, and look above. 
And sadly dream of long ago. 



go "gOXQZt 



'' To forget, to forever forget," 

And this is my '* duty," you say ? 
" To love and unlove, sans regret," 

Why, the world just moves in this way. 

'Tis a sad and a pitiful world, 

With its shams and its cheats and its tears, 
So I must " forget " without ' regret " 

The love that was mine for years. 

Put it off like a garment that's old, 

My beautiful love ever new; 
Sell my sweet dream for glittering gold. 

Make believe the false is the true! 

This love that has made my life fair, 

That's brought me but fragrance and bloom; 

That's draped earth in colors most rare, 
Given sunshine for shadow and gloom. 

And to keep the sweet flame e'er alight 

I marvelled how little it took; 
Only a glance from your eyes, dark and bright, 

A hand-clasp and smile, or a look. 

And as long weeks and months intervened, 
A letter with words few and cold; 

While the wearisome years rolled between 
Two hearts tried and true as pure gold. 

And now to forget thee, no, never ^ 

While life and its memories last. 
Till we meet in the blessed forever, 

I'll cherish my dream of the past. 



33 



(S^hmxQcd and WrtcTxaixgcd. 



Alas, the bosky sylvan dells, 

And meadows, broad and sweet with bloom; 
The birchen copse and wooded fells — 

Man's hand has wrought their final doom. 
Now village streets and village homes. 

And factory-walls so broad and high, 
And shining spires and belfry domes, 

Uprear their heads toward the sky. 

No more the artless country-maid 

In muslin gown and tangled curl, 
Straying beneath the maple's shade, 

A stylish, dashing, village girl; 
And all the sweet, familiar scenes 

That were so passing fair of yore, 
Have with our rosiest summer dream.s, 

Vanished to land of Nevermore. 

Unchanged, the grand old hills remain, 

Rock-ribbed and scarred, ancient and hoary. 
Time may assail them, but in vain; 

Unchanged, sublime, their silent glory. 
Unchanged the river's song and play. 

As down the rocks it swiftly dashes 
In opal, pearl, and silver spray, 

And goid and amber jets and flashes. 

% * * Tt -5^ * 

Still some beloved, familiar forms 
■ And faces greet us, as of old; 
They fold us in their loving arms 
To hearts as tried and true as gold; 



34 



They speak of dear ones gone for aye, 
Of changes wrought in ten brief years. 

We turn our faces quick away, 
To hide the bitter, burning tears. 

But while our hearts are broken quite, 

Because old Time hath so bereft us; 
The darkest cloud shows silver light 

And thank we God for much that's left us. 
Hearts do not change, and love outlasts 

Death and its power to work us sorrow; 
We'll trust to memory all the past, 

And, smiling, hope a glad to-morrow. 




35 



kpKXKUd. 



Yes, I have known them many years, 

When hope was high and life was young; 
A life so free from sighs or tears, 

By happiest bard was never sung. 
But soon ambition stirred his soul. 

Sweeping all barriers away; 
" Whate'er it costs I'll reach the goal, 

I'll conquer fate," I've heard him say. 

" He changed love's gold for worldly dross,' 

He changed love's dream to darkest hell; 
Nor did he count the " gold " thus lost. 

But praised his bargains loud and well; 
With cruel words and cold neglect 

He quenched the lamp of heavenly fire; 
He forfeited her kind respect, 

To thus complete love's funeral pyre. 

Her face grew set, and white, and cold. 

Her loving eyes grew hard and sharp; 
'Twas plain to see she missed the gold. 

Her life seemed tangled in the warp; 
"Too proud to mourn, too brave to die," 

Yet faithful to the bitter end; 
She hushed her starved heart's hungry cry, 

And made no sign, e'en to a friend. 

I once approached her, firm and kind, 
(Thinking to tread where angels trod;) 

I said, " Dear friend, relieve thy mind," 
Her answer was, "I tell but God." 



36 



I went my way in musing mood; 

" Safe, safe, dear friend, where'er thou art, 
If only to the ear of God 

Is told the trials of thy heart." 



at l^ixjalijens ^xxpiid. 



'Tis not in music's sweetest harmony, 

To wake the sleeping boy; 
Not flute, nor harp, nor ocean's symphony 

Can cause one throb of joy; 
Nor gold, nor pearls, nor gems can ever charm, 

Nor domains grand and broad; 
Nor fairest, sweetest face, nor Hebe-like form, 

Can wake the sleeping god. 

But ah, I know what works the magic spell. 

The cadence of a voice; 
The touch of hands speak more than words can tell. 

And makes the god rejoice. 
One sweeping glance, unstudied and untaught, 

And airthe story's told; 
Confers a jewelled prize, unasked, unbought. 

Worth all earth's shining gold. 



37 



betters. 



There are letters as cold as a snowflake, 
And letters as light as a breath; 

There are letters that bring us a heartache, 
And letters that sting like death. 

There are letters as sour as acid, 
And letters as sweet as a bun; 

There are letters sedate and placid, 
And letters of frolic and fun. 

There are letters as dull as a donkey, 
And letters as prim as a prude; 

There are letters saucy and spunky, 
And letters as soft as a dude. 

But of all written letters, the sweetest. 
Full of pledges and passionate sighs; 

The letters of youth are completest, * 
With their taffy, and nonsense, and lies. 

Ah, these were the letters that thrilled us, 
That filled us with passionate pain; 

We wonder that joy had not killed us, 
Yet we long for those letters again. 

But vanished, alas, are youth's pleasures, 
And our letters are few, brief and cold. 

So fondly we'll kiss those old treasures 
And cherish them dearer than gold. 



38 



gxtjex* in gx^eams. 



Ever in dreams I see thee, darling, 

Strive as I will 1 can not forget; 
When night and weariness close my eyelids, 

Darling, darling, I see thee yet. 

Ever in dreams thou art with me, darling. 
With thy sweet smile and thy fond caress; 

With thy dear eyes forever beaming 
The tender love they so well express. 

Wonderful dreams, oh, dreams of gladness. 
Only dispelled by the morning's beams; 

When I awake to a life of sadness! 

Could they but stay, the beautiful dreams. 

Nevermore, save in dreams, my darling. 
Will thy dear eyes beam again on me. 

Till we meet in the city of light, my darling, 
That lies on the shore of the jasper sea. 

In that beautiful city of light, my darling, 
Where sorrows and sighings forever cease. 

Where never come dreams or night, my darling. 
We'll meet in the morn of eternal peace. 



.iiilH-iliii 



39 



gto (iates M^'^' 



In the autumn's golden sunshine 
With its hues so rich and bright, 

Draping earth in rarest colors, 
Flooding all in mellow light. 

And the vivid autumn's splendor 

Filled my life with joy replete, 
Youth, and health, and love, and friendship. 

Ever round my pathway meet. 

Even then darkness came o'er me. 
Hushed, I paused with bated breath. 

For I knew that awful shadow 
Was the angel, men call death. 

And the dark, mysterious angel 

Came to where my darling lay. 
Took from me the living presence. 

Left but me the silent clay. 

Left but me the empty casket. 

Took the gem I held so dear; 
Left my crushed heart sad and bleeding. 

Made my life so lone and drear. 

God, I cried, in awful anguish. 

Must this soul from mine be riven ? 

To my heart a voice made answer, 
She is wanted up in heaven. 

Still the darkness of that shadow 
Fills my life with grief and gloom, 

And my lonely watch I'm keeping 
Close beside my darling's tomb. 



40 



Yet the still, small voice keeps saying — 

Mortal, look, 'tis not afar ! 
Just beyond death's gloomy portal 

See the heavenly gates ajar. 



pctj gltrt0. 



You ask if I love the ring on my finger, 

With its rubies sparkling bright, 
With its delicate pearl that forms the center, 

And its diamonds glittering white ? 
Yes, I love the delicate ring on my finger; 

With its rubies like ruby wine, 
And the sunbeams seem to smile and linger 

On the diamonds' fire and shine. 

And I slip the precious ring from my finger, 

And in ONE WORD* these words I see: 
"When we are absent one from the other 

The Lord watch between thee and me." 
And for its diamonds, pearls, and rubies, 

I hold it a precious treasure trove; 
But it's dearer far for its kindly giver. 

And its cheering words of faith and love. 

*Mizpah. 



d)Xxl ^XS^Vi^^ZcCXilS. 



Black eyes look deep into eyes of blue, 
Old grey beard comes close to iron grey; 

" How are you, Charley ? " and " How are you ? " 
As hand clasps hand, are the words they say. 

A sweet light sprang to their meeting eyes, 
A radiant smile swept across each face; 

A gleam like sunlight, of glad surprise, 

Touched sunbrowned features with winning grace. 

Long years have passed since last they met. 
Freighted with pleasure and toil and pain; 

But the vanished years they soon forget 
And Charley and Allan are boys again. 

Away they go, to their boyhood's days. 

To the meads and lanes of the mountain farm; 

To the woods scarce pierced by the sun's bright rays 
To the laughing burn with its sparkle and charm. 

Oh, glad, bright days, oh, glorious days, 

The years have not stolen your sweetness yet; 

You come trooping back over sunny ways. 
With your joys old grey-beards don't forget. 

When full of the rich, bright wine of life. 
When to be a boy, young, strong and free. 

With a rod and hook, and a good jack-knife. 
There was never a king so rich as he. 

With limbs unwearied by swiftest chase. 
With never a steep too high to climb; 

With vim and zest for the longest race. 

When to breathe and live was a thing sublime. 



42 



Hark ! the sound of the engine whistle and bell 
Warns old grey-beards they soon must part; 

But something has wrought a magic spell, 
For each go forth with a young, light heart. 

Oh, the thrill and joy of that sunny day, 
As the cars swept on o'er the winding track 

That carried them swift on their destined way, 
As memory carried old grey-beards back. 

They will never forget, the tried and true, 
Nor the old-time sweet and countless joys; 

Each drank at the fountain of youth anew 
And old grey-beards once again were boys. 




43 



glxje gttmart g^ca^t. 



Oh, the human heart is a wonderful thing, 
So glowing its winter, so tender its spring, 
So fervent its summer, its autumn all gold; 
This wonderful heart that can never grow old. 

The hand and the brain may learn lessons to-day 
To forget them to-morrow, like children at play; 
But this we should heed to save future regret — 
What we learn with our heart, we can never forget. 

Oh, wonderful heart, with thy pulses of joy, 
With thy treasures of love time can not destroy, 
With thy secret remorse, and passionate pain, 
Thy sorrows untold and regrets all in vain. 

Beyond our conception, beyond our control, 
A close hidden chamber — the home of the soul. 
Secured by strong bolts which respond to no key, 
Where none but the eyes of Omnipotence see. 

Soul, look to thy housings, bring light to thine aid. 
Hear the voice of thy Master, oh, "be not afraid;" 
If thou wouldst inhabit a house pure and blest, 
Then open, and welcome the Lord as thy guest. 



44 



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